Shinobu Lightly Peated 10 Yo Pure Malt WhiskyShinobu Lightly Peated Pure Malt whisky NAS and 10Y are the first peated whisky to be released by Shinobu distillery. Peated whisky was sourced from selected distilleries from mainly highland and speyside regions and carefully blended by the master blender Mr. Usami Ken and finished in Mizunara wood for more than 6 months.The Shinobu Distillery in collaboration with Niigata Beer Distillery is located in the Japanese seaside region of Niigata on the countrys western coast. The area is famous for its Three White Treasures: snow, rice and sake which have been cultivated there for centuries. Shinobu Pure Malt whiskies are crafted by master blender, Mr. Usami Ken who blends malts aged in sherry, bourbon and Hogshead casks before finishing them in Japans prized Mizunara Oak. Famous for imparting rich, honeyed flavors of apples, pears, cloves and nutmeg, Mizunara Oak has been used in Japan since the 1930s and is now sought-after by whisky makers around the world. All Shinobu whiskies are created without chill-filtration or added color to protect and enhance their deeply complex, robust flavor.Nose: Delicious aroma with loads of malt and hints of sour wort, dry grass, and wet wood from light peatPalate: Lots of malt and light peat bring on an intense taste of smoke, salt, and hint of cokeFinish: Ends on smoke with dashes of salt and mineral700ml, ABV 43%.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the serious Whisky drinker in mind.At 48% ABV and Gift Boxed a perfect edition for Christmas. A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies, The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting Notes:Deep wood aroma, maltose, nectar, blueberry, Mizunara oak, milk coffee; oily, ripe fruit, lemon peel, leather, cinnamon, ginger; Finished with a hint of sweet malt with aromas of wooden barrels and a touch of fruity flavour. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding! The barrel age brings out different levels of spice and tertiary characteristics. The nose is abundant with a deep floral woody scent and elegant oak.

The Shin Malt Mizunara Whisky Range are distilled and created with the Series Whisky drinker in mind.At 48% and Gift boxed, A newcomer on the world stage of Japanese whiskies.The Shin Malt Whisky ranges are making headway already on the spirit awards front. The big brother of the awarded and acclaimed Shinobu whisky ranges, the master blended distiller Mr Ken Usama has completed a beautiful range of well made, balanced and delicious whiskies.Tasting notes: The nose depicts fresh wooden barrel, maltose taste: Mizunara oak, maltose, nectar, coffee bean, fruit acids, slight fragrance of floral finish: This is richer in taste than the N A S Whisky. The sweet aftertaste is outstanding, and the barrel again brings out the different levels of spice flavours. Deep floral woody scent is also full of vitality and opulent flavour.

Yamazaki is often referred to as being the pioneer of Japanese Whisky and is Suntory's flagship single malt. This whisky is spiratual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs around the world. The Distiller's Reserve is mild with fresh fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese oak). This is a must for any whisky lover.

Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Ltd was founded in 1765 and started producing whisky in 1946. The Yamazakura is a ji-whisky made by Sasanokawa Shuzo Co.This particular Black Label bottle is a new Yamazakura product that was released in 2015. Smooth after taste is refreshing with a hint of sweetness. Enjoyable both on the rocks or neat.

Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky 40% 700mlDistillery: Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. Asaka Distillery ABV: 40% Tasting notes:Orange blossoms on the nose, followed by oak, caramel, and fresh orchard fruit on the palate. Bringing serene balance and depth, this is a bottle from Japans new generation distilleries.Yamazakura - Sasanokawa Shuzo Co. chose the name Yamazakura to launch the distillerys premium whisky range because it is a combination of two important Japanese symbols in culture and society: Yama is the Japanese term for mountain, signifying the strength and poise of the spirit, while Sakura refers to cherry-trees, to relate the ephemeral beauty of the stunning blossom to the quality and sophistication of the whisky.About the Distillery:Sasanokawa Shuzos sake and shochu making dates back all the way to 1710. However, almost 200 years later, they decided to dive into the whisky making market in 1946 thus setting up Asaka Distillery. Their quality was able to stand toe to toe with large rivals like Nikka and Suntory in the northeast region of Japan. Most importantly, Sasanokawa Shuzo were also the ones who famously helped Ichiro Akuto (Ichiros Malt / Hanyu Distillery) save his whisky stocks and allowing him to build the Ichiros Malt brand. The distillerys mash tun and 5 washbacks are all stainless steel. Unlike other Japanese whisky distilleries using imported Forsyths stills, Asaka went with two copper pot stills made right here in Japan by Miyake Seisakusho. The wash still is 2000L, and spirit still 1000L, both using percolators for heating. The whisky is mostly non-peated and will be rested in primarily bourbon casks but also some sherry and wine casks.It's worth noting that the Chichibu Distillery and the Asaka Distillery have a relationship. Ichiro Akuto-san asked Sasanokawa Shuzo to store the leftover casks of the defunct Hanyu Distillery until he could get Chichibu up and running. So basically, Chichibu owes Asaka a favor! Ichiro Akuto-san brought back most of the casks and released his now highly sought after first release, the Ichiros Malt Series (otherwise known as the card series!). In fact, the Sasakanokawa Shuzo facility still has Hanyu casks in storage!

Round aroma and soft palate. Gentle taste of rice expands in the mouth. Enjoy it at various temperatures, chilled through hot.

Here we have Suntorys multi award-winning Japanese single malt from Yamazaki, the oldest whisky distillery in Japan. The single malt was launched in 1992, and around 80% of the liquid is matured in sherry butts, while the remaining whisky spent its years in American and Mizunara oak casks. An absolutely stunning marriage of fruit, oak and smoky notes, its really no wonder why it won so many awards!Nose: Truffles, thick bitter marmalade and resin. Potpourri and heavy Oloroso sherry.Palate: A rich, bittersweet palate with heather roots, cigar leaves, honey, toffee apples, plum wine and black pepper. A touch of rancio, perhapsFinish: Long, fruity, marmalade-led finish.

Yoichi Single Malt is described as bold and strong. Pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originate from traditional direct coal-fired distillation accented with a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the ageing process.